How to Use the Command 'mp3info' (with Examples)

mp3info is a versatile command-line utility designed to manage ID3v1 tags of MP3 files. These tags are metadata fields embedded within the file, containing information like the artist’s name, song title, album title, release year, and genre. Although mp3info specialises in ID3v1 tags, it does not support ID3v2 tags, which are more prevalent in modern audio files. With mp3info, users can view, edit, and manage ID3v1 tags with ease, facilitating better organisation and identification of MP3 files.

Use case 1: Show all ID3v1 tags of a specific MP3 file

Code:

mp3info path/to/file.mp3

Motivation:

Understanding the current ID3v1 tags of an MP3 file is crucial for organising and cataloguing a music library. This command allows users to quickly ascertain what metadata is already embedded, which is essential when considering tag editing or verification.

Explanation:

• mp3info: Invokes the program to perform operations on MP3 files.
• path/to/file.mp3: The path directs mp3info to the specific MP3 file whose ID3v1 tags you wish to view.

Example output:

File: path/to/file.mp3
Title: Song Title              Artist: Artist Name
Album: Album Title             Year: 1999
Comment: Comment Text          Genre: Genre Name

Use case 2: Edit ID3v1 tags interactively

Code:

mp3info -i path/to/file.mp3

Motivation:

Interactive editing is valuable for users who prefer a more hands-on approach to tag modification, allowing for on-the-spot changes and immediate feedback. This is particularly beneficial when dealing with a single file, where bulk processing isn’t needed.

Explanation:

• mp3info -i: The -i flag initiates interactive mode, prompting the user to enter new values or verify existing ones.
• path/to/file.mp3: Specifies the file to be edited in place.

Example output:

Title  : [Song Title]
Artist : [Artist Name]
Album  : [Album Title]
Year   : [1999]
Comment: [Comment Text]
Genre  : [Genre Name]

Use case 3: Set values for ID3v1 tags in a specific MP3 file

Code:

mp3info -a "artist_name" -t "song_title" -l "album_title" -y year -c "comment_text" path/to/file.mp3

Motivation:

This use case provides a powerful way to assign or update metadata across an MP3 file, ensuring that all relevant information is properly labeled. This feature is particularly useful for batch processing where consistency in information is key.

Explanation:

• mp3info: Invokes the utility.
• -a "artist_name": Sets the artist name.
• -t "song_title": Sets the song title.
• -l "album_title": Sets the album title.
• -y year: Sets the release year.
• -c "comment_text": Sets additional comments.
• path/to/file.mp3: Points to the target file for these updates.

Example output:

ID3 tag update complete for path/to/file.mp3

Use case 4: Set the number of the track in the album for a specific MP3 file

Code:

mp3info -n track_number path/to/file.mp3

Motivation:

Assigning a track number is instrumental in maintaining the proper sequence of tracks within an album. This is essential for listeners who appreciate albums in their originally intended sequence and for preserving the chronological continuity.

Explanation:

• mp3info - Invokes the command.
• -n track_number: Sets the designated track number.
• path/to/file.mp3: The file path indicates the specific MP3 whose track number will be set.

Example output:

Track number successfully updated for path/to/file.mp3

Use case 5: Print a list of valid genres and their numeric codes

Code:

mp3info -G

Motivation:

Given that ID3v1 tags use numeric codes to represent music genres, understanding these codes is vital for setting genres accurately. This command provides a comprehensive reference list of genres along with respective codes to guide users in their tagging endeavours.

Explanation:

• mp3info -G: Calls mp3info with the -G option to print genre information.

Example output:

0: Blues
1: Classic Rock
2: Country
...
125: Folk
126: Folk-Rock

Use case 6: Set the music genre for a specific MP3 file

Code:

mp3info -g genre_number path/to/file.mp3

Motivation:

Correct genre tagging helps in classifying music accurately, enhancing both browsing experience and searchability within a music library. This is especially useful for DJs and music enthusiasts who organise extensive collections.

Explanation:

• mp3info: Activates the utility.
• -g genre_number: Specifies the genre using its numerical identifier.
• path/to/file.mp3: Denotes the target file for genre updating.

Example output:

Genre updated to "Rock" for path/to/file.mp3

Conclusion:

With the mp3info command, managing ID3v1 tags becomes a streamlined process, enabling users to view, edit, and organise their MP3 files through a simple command-line interface. From viewing existing tags to modifying and updating them, mp3info provides music enthusiasts with the necessary tools to maintain their audio collections with precision and ease.